Liquid metering apparatus and control therefor



June 22,1965 JQwHl'rEMAN I *Y LIQUID METERING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR Filed Dec. 26, 1962 Arron/vac June 22, 1965 l J. wHlTEMAN 3,190,117 V4LIQUID METERING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR Filed Dec. 26, 1962 v v 5 Sheets-Shea?l 2 ya 'I l 1 By VM a@ @ME er @ab 42 y Y 24%@ June 22, 1965 J. wHlTEMAN 3,190,117

LIQUID METERING APPARATUS AND CONTROL THEREFOR I Filed Dec. 26, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INV EN TOR.

United States Patent O 3,193,111 v l LIQUID METERING APPARATUS AND coN'rnoL i mamon Y Jack Whiteman, 2820 Jarrard, Houston, Tex. Filed Dec. 26, 1962, Sel'. N0. 246,960 11 Claims. (Cl. 'Z3-e223) The present inventionv relates to a new and improved apparatus for metering or measuring liquids and a control arrangement for liquid metering devices. r

An object of the present invention is to provide a conarrangementV for a liquid metering or measuring apparatus which providesy a high degree'of accuracy.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a unique control arrangement for automatically sequencing the opening and closing of inlet and discharge valve means on ya liquid measuring container to enable the collection of a predetermined liquid volume in the container while the inlet valve is open and discharge valve is closedland thereafter closing the inlet valve and then opening the discharge valve for discharge of the predetermined liquid volume from the/container.`

Another object of the present invention is to provide a unique control arrangement for automatically sequencing the opening and closing of inlet and discharge valve means on a liquid measuringV container -to enable the collection of a predetermined liquid volume in the container while the inlet valve is open and discharge valve is closed and thereafter closing the inlet valveV andthen `opening the discharge valve for discharge of the predetermined liquid volume from the container, the control arrangement functioning after Vthe predetermined liquid volume is discharged to rst close the discharge `valve prior to opening the inlet valve for collectionV of additional liquid in the container. Still a further object is Vt-o provide a control arrangement for liquid measuring which is yactuated by the liquid level of a relatively small liquid volume to collect and then discharge -a predetermined liquid volume lfrom4 a relatively large collection container-to thereby provide -a sensitive, accurate measurement heretofore substantially impossible to attain. Y

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved liquid `meteringrapparatus in i which repairs and replacement may be readily accomplished. t

A further object of the present invention is to provide -a new and improved liquid metering apparatus for measuring quantities of oil or other liquids as `such oil or other liquid leaves a lease or the like and which apparatus may be easily land readily calibrated'V for measuring various amounts of oil or other liquid.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which accuratelylmeters liquid and which includes a unique liquid level adjustment means which is relatively simple and easy to operate to predetermine the liquid volume of the meter. Y

Yet a further object of .the present invention is to provide an apparatus for metering liquid which is constructedV and 4arranged so that it functions positively and accurately to dump the liquid being metered.

Still another object of the invention is to provide in a liquid meter a means for ylocking the meter in "open position until an accurately measured amount of liquid is dumped therefrom.

lStill a further object of thepresent invention is to provide a new and improved liquid metering apparatus utilizing a collection container and a substantially smallerY liquid receiving container in liquid receiving communilcatiou with the collectoncontainer so that when a predetermined volume of liquid is collected in said cont-ainer, `the liquid will risetoa predetermined level in 3,199,117 Patented June 22, 1965 ice,

the smaller liquid receiving container and actuate 'a hydrostatically controlled mechanism to drain the liquid from the larger container, said hydrostatic mechanism operating means to lock the liquid in the smaller container therein until the predetermined liquid volume is first drained from the larger container whereupon the liquid in the smaller container is then drained and the hydrostatically controlled mechanism is again activated to eiect filling of the containers again. This operation is repeated automatically as long as liquid is supplied to the metering apparatus.

Yet -a further object of the present invention is to provide -a new and improved liquid metering 'or measuring apparatus wherein a container means is continuously automatically iilled with a predetermined volume andV then emptied upon the liquid level in said container means reaching iirst vva predetermined upper level and lthen a predetermined lower level, .the iilling and dumping being accomplished without the use of float Valves.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a new .and improved liquid metering or measuring apparatus wherein a containerV means is continuously lled and emptied upon the liquid level in said containerl means reaching iirst a predetermined upper level and secondly :a predetermined lower level, wherein a single float valve is utilized and such float valve being controlled or operated bya liquid level in .a smaller container that `communicates with said container means.

'meut mechanism and Calibrating apparatus forming part lof the present invention; Y

. FIG. V3 is a View partly schematic and partly in elevation illustrating the form of the liquid Vmetering device shown in FIG. l'in relation to a separator but omitting some of the structure .that is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a View similar to that of FIG. l but illustrating .another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view partly schematic illustrating one form of a double acting valve which maybe used in the present invention;

\FlG. 6 is an enlarged sectional'view partly schematic p illustrating one form -ofa single acting valve which may V'be used inthe present invention;

7 is an lenlarged sectionalfview illustrating one form of a hydrostatically actuated controller adapted to 'be used in the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional viewof one form of a -snap-action float-type lever controllerused vwith the form of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 4; and

PIG. 9 is a sectional View taken on the line 9 9 of FIG. `8.

Two forms of the construction for carrying out the invention -will be hereinafter described along with their manner of use in measuring liquidsfrom an oil and gas well; however, it can be appreciated that the following description is for-purposes lof illustration only, and many variations may .be made without departing from the scope `and spirit of the present invention.

Referring iirst to =FiG. 3 `of the drawings, a separator Sis supported at ll1 on the ground or on a vehicle represented -at G. The line '13 conducts the liquid and gas from an oil well and-when the stream from lthe well is discharged into the separator S, .theliquid drops to the bottom of `the, separator and the gas iio'ws through Ya mist This cycle `rA isin use. Y

- One form of the .apparatus of the present invention is Y represented generally by .the letter A in FIGS. 1 and 3 of -the drawings; it may be supported on the ground or on a vehicleY rby suitable supports 19.l A conduit 14 connects gas outlet ,13 of separator S with the top of liquid collection container C through the .liquid level ladjustment municate when the closure. member 78 is seated as shown in FIG. 5.- The closure member 78is`connected to: diaphragm 7,6 lby the rod 79, therebeing suitable seal means 79Yb tends to urge valve member7-8and diaphragm `76V sothat thevalve I is toward open position. An opening 75e` in upper body 75V is providedV for con- Y' necuon waa/nue' 35 as shown'at 37m rios. rand 5 means designated at L for` conducting gas from the sepal is very light `so that .the opening and closingof valve I 1s rator S int-o the -top of collection container C. The ygas fromA the separator SisV also communicated from gas communicating conduit -14 .to the upperY portionV ofliquid receivingy means 28 through conduit Z6 and' conduit 25.- Valve P is connected between conduits V26 and for .a purpose as will 'be described in greater detail. Also, gas is communicated throughthe additional conduit means representedkat line 35 tofhydrostatically actuated control means Hand from H through other conduit means represented .at line 30 to the diaphragms operatively connected with v-alves P, -I, .and E aswill be described in greater detail hereinafter.- Y Y,

.A back pressure valve 1-5 in line 14 opens at any desired preset pressure -to discharge gas` therethrough from line 14.

The liquid to be measured is conducted from Ithe separa-` tor S .through 'the line 18 to which is connected :the lower end of the container C `by means of the connection 21V. The connection 21 provides an opening means in the collection container CV for collecting the liquid therein and also serves as the discharge for the liquid from [the con-V t-ainer ater a predetermined volume is collected in the container C.

The inlet and discharge valveY means I and Bare arranged in the conduit 1-8V oneach side of the connection whereby gas is yalways' communicatedy to `compartment 75a. An opening 75d isprovided for connectingline 3g() tofcompartment A75l? 4beneath diaphragm 76 `as shown f at 32 inrFIG. 1.As a practical matter, the spring 79`b` determinedV by the presence` or lack ofgas ,pressure in `coxrlpartment75b. When there is gas `pressure in corn-V l pantmentr75b, it opposes the gas pressure always present in compartment 75a, andv -the spring opens valve I. Simi- .larly, when the gas is exhausted from `compartment 75h, f

It .will be noted that rliner35 commun-icates'to the v alve r P to always Yclose valve P when the gas is exhausted through line 30 lfrom .beneath the diaphragm -of `valve P. YThe function and purpose ofA valve P will .be described Vin greater detail in connection `wi-th the means T which actu- Vates the control H.

The exit or outlet valve Ezis best seen in FIG. `6, and is normally termed la single acting fvalve. The Val-ve YEfis installed in the line 18'and has anpupper body 75" and a lower body 7-7. A suitable diaphragm 76T` is positioned Y v in .the upper` body-75'land 4divides -such upperfbody into 211 .as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3fthe inlet valve means I bel and ythe inlet valve means I Ibeing;closed as the predeter-Y -min`ed volume of Iliquid is discharged from the container as will lbe 4further explained.

A control means designated at H is actuated by .the

liquid level in the means designated gener-ally at T which Vincludes member 28 to .sequence the opening and closing of valves I, E, and P so that thevalvesl, E, and P are .always opened and closed in proper order.V That is, when' thecontainer C has collected its predeterminedl volume of liquid, thecontrolmeans H functions to rstclose valve means I and P substantially simultaneously .and then open two compartments 75a Iand 7'5bf. The upper body-'(75'` has .an opening 75e' which is'connected to the line 30hs` shown at 31 'in FIGS; lY and 6. i The body 75' also has an opening 75d in Whichfa breather plug 75e' is posi- '.tionedythereinV for communicating with the atmosphere;` The plug 75e may be removed to `permit the removal of any liquid which may become 4trapped in the compartment A'75b. -The lower body VV77' has compartments 77z;'and-`` 77'b which are .separated by theclosure `member 758'; The-1 rod 79' Vhas suitable seal means,` 79a thereaboutlfor in# l hibit-ing the flow of huid between the lower 4body 771and the upper body V75g. VThe valve E isopened-by liquid.`

pressure dileren-tial in line 1'8 and by releaseor exhausting of the pressure inline `30 yacting on the top of ldiaphragm l75 in chamber 75a', and is closed -by movement 5. of the diaphragm 76'irby pressurein chamber 75a', from Y .-line 30l The valvefE is .also illustrated ina closedposi-V discharge valve means E for discharge of the measured liquid volume from container C. Y The-'control means maintains the valves in this position until'the measured liquid-'volume is discharged `from the container C whereupon the `control means H is againactuated to first close valvevll and kthen openvalve P and valve I for collectin-g another predetermined volume ofkliquid in container C. of operation continues as long as the apparatus Itis .believed that fa Ashort description of Y.certain comthe hydrostatically actuated means H are -bothof the same c lform, one suitable vform. of valve I being shown in FIG.

5 in closed position.- The inlet valve IV includes the upper body T5 in which is mounted the diaphragm 76 which separates the upper .body into compartments 75a Iand 7'5b and also includes` thelower' body'77`in which is formedrthe 'ponents used in practicing the present iriventionV vw'll better enable Ian understanding of the cooperation of these 4cornponents in the functioning of the apparatus inthe mannerV generally above described.

VcompartrnentsY 77a and 77bl which Ycommunicate when `the Y f closure member' 78 is Vol its seat .and which do no t com-Y Cil tion and Would tbe in 'such closedposition when pressure is exertedY on .the topY of the diaphragm 76' throughlir'ie. 30.V When the gasV pressure ris exhausted from compart-` ment lathrough Vline '30,t-he closure mernberf78.v is moved to an lopen position and liquid is permit-ted to move through the line 18,1.throu`gh the lower body 77', and. out 'of the line 18. When the container fC is discharging'or dumping the predetermined liquid volumeY and withthe pressure` bled from the compartment 75a', the'pre'ssure Y exertedby'the liquid Yin'ztheY lineV 18 on the closure-mem-` ber 78is suti'icient to cause the closurememiber7f8'r tofbe `raised and thus the valve E opened. ,Y

The hydrostaticallyactuatedlcontrol means H means VI-I regulates lthe how of gasffrom'gas supply Y35 -to the line 30 thatV is in turn connected `to communicate withv the diaphragm of valves I, P, and E `as above describedkWl'lengas is supplied through .the control H` to'line 30, i" valves Iand P are .opened and valve E is closed; and whenl i gas is not supplied through the control H, the line 30exhausts through line 42 Vand port-93cm Kbody 90 of control H so that valves I'andP close `and valve E'opens.

The `body90 of 'control H` includes `the upper, central,

is actu-Y ated by hydrostatic pressure,:and .a suitable. form of the v control is more clearly..seen in FIG." 7. The-control. Y

andlower portions 91, 92, and 93.V 'Ifhepupper portion 91 is separated from the cen-tral portion by the diaphragm 94, and the lower portion 93 is separated from the central portion 92 bythe diaphragm 95. ,The central portion 92 is divided into two compartments 92a .and 92b by the diaphragm 96.. 'Ihe diaphragms 94, 95, and 96 also provide a means of support for the control assembly'96 as shown in FIG. 7, and the position of thec-ontrol assembly `96' determines WhetherV gas is supplied to line 30 or whether -line 30 is exhausted to theV atmosphere through line 42 and port 93e in the lower body portion 93. `As shown in the drawings, the control assembly 96' is in position .to communicate line 43 and line 42 for supplying gas from line 35 to the line 30.

The line 43 is connected into port92c in central body portion 92, the port 92C in turn communicates with chamber 92a.V A passage 96a in assembly`96rcommunicates chamber 92a with chamber 93a through reduced opening 97a in the end of assembly 96. A valve member 97 having closure elements 97' and 97 formed on each end thereof extend through the reduced opening 97a as shown in the drawings, and the lower closure element 97 will seat on the upper end 97h of opening 93C when the assembly 96 is in the position shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings, and its upper closure elements 97 will clear the upper end of the reduced bore 97a' so that gas from line 43 may ilow through 96a and 97a' and into chamber 93a for discharge through line 42 into line 36. A spring 95 positioned in chamber 91a urges the assembly 96 downwardly to the position above described, and the force of spring 95' may be varied by means of the'threaded bolt falling until the liquid in container C has fallen to uncover the opening 23a in the lower end of member 2S. Since the liquid level in 28 remains constant until the opening 28a is uncovered, control H is locked in position toV retain valve Eopen and valves I and P closed.V i

However, aszsoon asthe opening 28a is uncovered, the liquid falls from the member Y2S and this withdraws the liquid from chamber 92b through line 4t? so that the control assembly 96 is urged to a position to close off port 93e and open gas supply line 43 to the line 30. The

gas supplied through lineS@ acts on the diaphragms of valves E, I and P to close valve E and then open valves I and P by balancing the pressure retained on the other 98 extending through the opening 91C in top 91d Vof the upper body portion 91 to engage the cap provided on top of the spring 95.

A conduit 40 is connected into passage 92d that communicates with chamber 92b beneath diaphragm 96 and is` adapted to receive liquid from the actuating means T, and when the liquid pressure in chamber 92b overcomes the force of spring 95', the control assembly 96' is moved upwardly to seat the upper closure 97'1on the upper end of passage 97a and unseat the lower closure element 97 from the upper end 97bof port 93C. Communication between gas supply line 43 and the line 42 is thereby shut ot while line 42 exhausts line 30 and line 41 connected tochamber 91a by opening 91h to atmosphere through port 93C.

The actuating means T for the control H includes a liquid receiving member 28 which is adapted to receive liquid from container C as the collection container C is filled with the predetermined liquid volume. An opening 28a shown in the lower end of member 28 `enables liquid to be conducted to 28 as the collection container C is lled.

The member 28 is illustrated as being vertically posi- `tioned within container C. The member 28 is provided `with a sight gauge tube 68 on the exterior of container C,

-the gauge being connected to member 28 through container C by the conduit portions 69 and 70. The liquid `receiving conduit 49 is connected to .tubular member 28 at the lower portion thereof as represented by the numera127 in FIG. l. f

The member 28 is shown as being -of tubular form whose volume is substantially small in relation to the volume of liquid to be collected in container C. Since the control means H responds to the liquid level in the member 28, this enables a more accurate and sensitive measuring arrangement than heretofore possible. When the liquid rises to a predetermined level in the member 28, this actuates control H so that control assembly 96 opens line 30 to atmosphere and closes off line 43 from communicate with line 30 through line 42. This immediately closes valve P and valve I :substantially simultaneously and then opens valve E to enable the liquid Volume collected in container C to discharge.- The closing of valve Ptraps the gas in line 25 above member 2S and in line 43 and prevents the liquid level in member 28 from side of their diaphragm through line 35 whereupon they each open by reason of the spring tending to move them to open position.

In initially starting to use the present invention, it is necessary to first of all calibrate the container Cso that it will collect a predetermined volume before discharge thereof. For example, assume that -it is desired to collect one barrel of liquid in collection container C before dumping it from the container. After the apparatus is hooked to the separator S as previously described, the control H opens valves I and P and closes valve E since the assembly 96 is free to be moved down by spring 95- and gas is then conducted from 14 through line 26, valve P, line 25, and into line 35 to control H. It then flows to line 39 to close valve E and balance the diaphragms on valves I and P so that the spring of Yeach valve urges it to open position.

The position of the opening 28a inthe liquid receiving means 2S is known and this therefore determines the lower liquid level 60 in collection container C since the lower liquid must be slightly below the opening 28a toV permit draining of the member 28. The liquid level in container Cis usually indicated by the calibrations 65a on the sight gauge 65 and the lower liquid level 60 in container C may be initially marked by adhesive tape or .the like at 65e` on the `sight gaugeV 65. The gauge 65 is mounted on container C by the conduit connections do and 67, respectively. A quantity of liquid is then collected in the container C and at the same time the liquid is received in member 28 and in chamber 92b which connects with 2S by the connection 40. The liquid rises in container C only to the `lower end 56a of the tube 5t) which is represented by the liquid level designated at 59. Since the lower end of tube 59 is closed oit` by the liquid, no additional liquid can be collected in the container C,

but the liquid at this level may rise slightly in tube 50 Y `level 71 is reached in member 2S whereupon valves I and P areclosed prior to opening valve E. The liquid from container C between levels 59 vand 6i) discharges through E and is collected and measured to indicate if the tube'V 50 of liquidlevel adjustment means L is to be raised orlowered. If theV collected liquid from container C measures more than the desired amount, in this case one barrel, then the tube 56 is Vmoved down into the container C a predetermined amount. If the desired volume is not enough, thertube 50 is raised to enable more liquid to be received in theV container C. Y

After the collection container C is calibrated so that the correct upper level 59 is determined to yield the exact predetermined volume from the container, care must be exercised'to insure that the liquid level 71 in member 2S,

in which control H is actuated, is slightly above the liquid Y level59 in the container C. The bolt 98 on control H is adjusted so that'the control will react at the desired rangement which is far more accurate liquid levely in member28. Thus, the control His re-Y sponsive to or actuated by a level in the means T which close valv'e land-openvalves land VV1:' for the collectionf Y of liquid intheY container C and also Vfunction to open line 30 to atmosphere so as to exhaust` gas from the linel isindependent of* and in excess oftherliquid level in conftainer` C, and as previously noted, this provides an ar` f and sensitive than possible Vwith prior art devices. t t y,

The upper level liquid .adjustment means L used in cali,- brating, the vessel and in adjusting the liquid levelYI is shown in more detail in'FIG. Ziand inclndesth'e" tube'50` which maywbe of 4any* desired length and is Vslida-bly posi-A Y tioned in the tubular memberor sleeve 51. The-tube `50 has calibrations 50c thereon for. indicating the position ot Y the tube 50 in Ythe container` C and vfor indicating fractions of a barrel yof liquid. The Vlower end =51a of the sleeve 51 is threaded as shown at Y511) for connection to the' top 22 of container C at 23 as shown in FIG. 1. ,Theu-'pper endf'S/lcN of the member` 5].- issimilar' to the lower end Sla l and is threaded as shown at,51d and adapted to engage a tee 49 or :other suitable connecting means for communieating the tubular member or'tube 50 with the gas line 14 and line 26.

positioned in the upper endllcand the lower endSIa, respectively, for scalably engaging the member S1 and the tube 50. The lower end 51a of the memberzl also has set screw 54 which locks the member 50'in`relation to the member n51. The inem-ber 51 has` YsuitableA handles 55 thereon for raising and lowering the tube S0 in the member 51 when the set screw 54 has been loosened suii-ciently therefor. 'The member 51 has suitable Vslotsror openings 56 therein through which the handles 55 extend (whereby the handles 55 may be raised or lowered relative to member 51, `Such slots 56 also enable the calibrations 50c on tube50 tothe viewedrand may be varied in shape and lconstruction as'desired. f

Thus, after thel liquid fiom "container .Cfis initially Y Y Sealrnieans such las O-rings 52 and 53v orfthe like are A a suitable threaded opening 51e therein for receiving the Y measured, the tube is"rais`ed,4or lowered as previously noted, and since the inner diameter'ofthe `container C is known, as is thevolume that is to be addedto or taken fromthe initially measured volume, the .tube 50 Yin the containerisladjusted so thatY the exact volume desired can be collected in container C and then discharged through valve E. A

A suitable count-er mechanism YorY means 45 is connected r lto line 30 as shown in IFIG.`1" of the'dlrawin gs and 'for each cycle o`fv operation of the apilaratus A, i-t is actuated to indicate the totalnumber'of volumesvcollectevd in and then discharged from the container C.

Additionally, the control arrangement or mechanism T functions to maintain the valves Itand E as well asthe control head H in a predetermined relationship'when the l container C is receiving liquid and when the container C is discharging liquid therefrom to assure collection of t 4theproper volume of liquid within the container Cy andk discharge of'a propervolume of liquid fro-'inthe container The control means T includes a liquid receiving mem*- ber or meansl designated `at 2S which is Vcommunicated with the collection container Cby suitable means such asY the opening '28aY in the lower end of the meansl;V

An alternate `form of the present invention is' illustrated f parts asin the VFIG'. l m'odication are ldesignated with Vin FIG.Y4, andthe same parts or' substantially identical the same numerals. Other'parts are designated by numery als in the 100 series. The alternate embodiment is designated generally/at A an-dinclurlesV container C,'the valves I, E,.and `P and Y'controls T ,and M which accomplish the same of similar as the valvesfl, E, and P and'contr-ols T and H in the apparatus A. Thecontrol means'provided for the alt-ernatefform of the/apparatus A' is shovvnin FIG. 4 and includes a iloat controlmechanism designated Vgenerally atV D :and4 a valve` M actuated thereby; The float V-type controller 'D Vand-the valve -M coopera-te so that gas may be supplied fromV the-line 35 tothe-line 30fas de- 4scribed with regard to the FIG. l modication'so as to 30 through theV line 10S which is connected to the linelk 1 and then through the discharge or outlet conduitor opening104 provided in valveML Y It istormbe also noted that the means T'iwhch ac-tuates` the control ADand Vvalve M is somewhat -ditferentfromthe control Tdescribed with regard to the FIG.v 1 modi-.l l

fica-tion. The control T in-cludesa tubular memberdesigknated y128 which; is Ysimilar in function to the tubular'.I

ltion101`at the-upperY end thereof in which is received the'. 1

tica/102.4 The oat `102 is connected with the oat level` controller'D, and the liquid level in the tubular mem-ber` 128 is thereby utilized to elect the `operation of valves.

LE, and vPjin a mannerV as describediwith regard lto the4 FIG. 1 modication. Y

The oatlevel controller D is Vof thelsnap-ac'tionitype and it and valveM .may be of any suitableconstruction and form, the details of one formy of each being illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

e' As shown 'in FIGS. f4, 8, and'9, snap'eaction oat- Icontrol level DV is provided Y.with a float 1021 `.which `is adaptedto respond to the liquid level in the section "101 of tubular member 12S. The float 102 is connected ona rod 202, and the rod 202 extends through the bore 107." of extension 1075: of enlarged portion 101 at the topfof ltubular member 128 and therod 202 is connectedataitsl other end to the stem-204 mounted inthe body 203 -of the t t level controller D. The level-controller D is "shown asy t being physicallyA connected with the enlarged section 3101 by -thareadedly engaging in 'bore 107. .of the extension 107a z gof the enlarge-d section 101 as shown at 106.A The env larged section 107a extends through opening 107 of container Cand is'securedto the container C `by any suitable` `likeasshown in FIG. 8, of the means such as welds or the drawings.Y

hereinafter. The stem 204` to which `the rod 202 isconnectedis rotatably supported in the body 203 as illustrated, in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, and rotation of it by the oatr'od *202 raises or. lowersV the actuating Varm `207.`V A stuing .box 208 is also positioned inl the body 203 and the stem` 204 is provided with a portion 'designated at 204zz'which` extends through the stuing V,box 208, thereby providing a fluid tight arrangement between chambers 203:1 and V203b while permitting vertical movement of the `rod 202 to be translated into rotating movement of the stem 204,. fwhich'in turn raises and V.loWersthe actuating arm` 207 to effect operation Iof thevalve Mas will be'described without huid leak-age.Y i

It will be noted that rthe actuating arm '207V is provided with a slot 20711 there'ugin which is received the `switch lai-rny 211 vof the valve M as illustrated in FIGS.` 8V and 9 of the drawings.

The k,valve M maybeconnected to the V'float level con-` y troller D by any suitable means 'such as screwsor the'like (not shown) so as to position the valve Mwhe'rebyithe Y switch arm 211 thereof may extend through the opening `03C ofthe body 203. vThe opening 203e in the body -203V vof the controller D is sucientlylargeto permit the-vertical V kjtravel ofV the switch. arm 211 toreffect actuation Vvalve M in themanner intended.

I t VThe valve M has a body 210 which hasa compartment 210a thereinv which communicatesY with each of thelinels:v 1.03, 104and V105. A valve closing means 215 is posi.

tioned betweenfthe opening 212 and 213 in communica- 9 tion with the compartment 210m so that the valve closing means 215 maybe moved to close either of the openings 212 or 213 as desired. A rod or lever 214 is pivotally connected to the valve closing means 215 and also to the switch'actuating arm 211 for movingthe valve closing means 215 in either the opening 212 or opening 213. A spring 216 is mounted on the arm 211s that the lever 214 may be snapped from a position'as illustrated in FIG. 8 to a raised position. Such movement of the lever 214 moves the closing means 215 so that the opening'213 will be sealed rather than the opening 212 as illustratedl in FIG. 8. Suitable seal means 217V is also positioned on the arm 211 and in the body 214) of the valve'M to inhibit the ow of any gas from the valve M to the controller D or vice versa. The iioat valve `102, which is not seen in FIGS. S and 9, maybe connected to the rod 202by any suitable means such as a standard threaded male and Y female connection. v

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 8, and 9 of the drawings, it

will be initiallyassurned that the liquid in the container C is at the lower level designated at 6l). When` in this position, the lioat 102 will be at its lowermost position in the portion 101 of tubular member 128, and the Jdoat controller D and Valve M will be in the position shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings. It will be noted that the valve M is in position so that the gas supply line 35 is cornrnunicated through the line 1&3 to the valve M and then through the line 105 to the line 30. In this condition, pressure in the line 30 is supplied to close the valve E and open the valves I and P in a manner as previously described with regard to the FIG. 1 modification. When the liquid level in the tubular member 123 reaches the level designated at 171 in FIG. 4 of the drawings, the lioat 102 is raised so that the float rod 292 has rotated the stern 264 to actuate the Valve M and thereby close oit therline 103. When this occurs, gaspressure is shut oit between line 35 and line 30, and line 30 is exhausted to the atmosphere throughl line 105 and discharge or outlet conduit 104 in valve M. When this occurs as described with regard to the FIG. 1 modification, the valves I and P are lirst closed and thereafter valve E opened so as to discharge the volume of liquid from the container C.

nected with the line 39, and each time gas is resupplied to the line 3G, it will elect actuation of the counter mechanism 45 in a manner as described 4with regard to the Y FIG; 1 modification.

The container C may be calibrated in a manner as described With regard to the FlG. 1 modication and as is the case with the FiG. 1 modication; the level 171 in the porthe float control D and valve M. lt is to be noted that the liquid level means-designated at L in FIG. 4 is used in a similar manner to that described with regard to the FIG. 1 modilication in order to calibrate the container C and to determine the upper liquid level 159 in the container C by adjusting the lower end of 50a of the liquid level adjustment member to a predetermined vertical position in the container C. ,Y Y Thecontrol H of the FIG. 1 modification and the control in the form or" the lioat control D and valve M in the FIG. 4 modification provide an arrangement which gives substantially instantaneous response to the liquid level in the means T and T', respectively, which actuate each ofthern. Thus, the valves I, E, and P are either inV open or closed position to accomplish their desired function, and the movement from one position to the other is smoothly and rapidly` effected to avoidtime lag between open and closed position of each of the valves.

It is to be noted that a counter designated at 45 is con-V A clean-out openingV Cx is provided in each of the containers C and C', which Vclean-out opening is provided with a plug designated Cy as noted in the drawings.

Attention again is drawn to the fact that the volume o the means T and T which Vactuates the control H in FIG. l andthe control designated D and M in FIG. 4 of the drawings is substantially small in relation to the total Volume to be collected'in the containers C and C. As a practical matter, the smaller Vthe vvolume collected in the tubular members 23 and 128, the more accurate the volumetric measurement; however, the size ofthe tubular members 28 Aand 12S, respectively, must be such so that surface tension does not interfere with the prompt discharge of the liquid through their lower opening 28a when the lower liquid level 60 is reached in the container C or C', respectively. A tubular member having an inner diameter or width of approximately one inch works quite well, but this may Vary depending on the liquid to be measured.

Broadly, the present invention relates toa liquid metering apparatus and more particularly to a liquid metering apparatus which accurately and positively controls the ceive liquid in said container and to discharge liquid from said container,

(c) additional liquid container means,

(d) said additional liquidV container means being adapted to hold a substantially smaller volume of liquid than said collection container,

(e) said additional liquid container means having an opening in the lower end thereof -to receive liquid to a predetermined level when the predetermined liquid volume is collected in said collection container and to discharge liquid from said additional container,

(f) diaphragm actuated inlet valve means for regu lating the flow of liquid into said collection container,

(g) diaphragm actuated discharge valve means for regulating the flow of liquid from said collection container, Y

(h) a conduit for communicating gas to said Ycontainer above the liquid therein, Y

(i) conduit means for communicating gas from said gas communicating conduit to said additional container means above the liquid level therein,

(j) diaphragm actuated valve means in said conduit means which communicates gas to said additional container means,

(k) additional conduit means connected to said addi tional container means above the predetermined liquid level for communicating gas to one side of 'said diaphragms of each said inlet valve means and said valve means in said conduit which communicates gas to said additional container means to urge each of said valve means toward closed position,

(l) said inlet valve means and said valve means inV 11., Y(n) `said Votherfconduit means also communicating gas to said diaphragm of 'said liquid discharge `valve means to urge said valve means to closed position,

'K k(o) control means connectedbetween said additional and said other conduit means for controlling communication therebetween and fork opening and closing said other conduit means to atmosphere to actuate each of said valvemeans, Y K i (p) l*said* control means responsive to the hydrostatic pressure in lsaid additional container means when said predetermined liquid level is reached to close off communication between said additional and other conduit means and to open said other conduit means to atmosphere whereupon said liquid inletrvalve means and said valve means in said kconduit means which communicates gas to said addition'alfcon-V tainer means each close and said liquid discharge valve opens, *Y Y I (q) the closing of said valve means -in said conduit means which communicates gas to said additional container means acting to trap gas above the prede.

termined liquid level in said additional vcontainei' means and in said additional conduit,V K (r) the gas trapped above said predetermined liquid level` in saidV additional container means Yserving to hold said predetermined liquid level therein until the predetermined liquid volume is discharged from Vsaid collection container whereupon the opening in the lower end of said ladditional container4 means is exposed for discharge of liquid therefrom. and intoV said collection container, and Y y n f (s) said control means functioning when liquid is discharged from said additional liquid container means to communicate said gas communicating conduit and to said additional conduit means for gas passage therethrough to closeisaid discharge valve means and then open saidy inlet valve means and said` valve means in saidconduit means whichcommunicates gas to-said additional container means so that saidY f container Vmay receive another` predetermined liquid volume therein.

' `2.'The invention of claim 1Y 'including liquid level adjustment means on said` collection container for predetermining the volume of liquid to be collected in said collection container. Y i. A

3. The invention of claim 1 including liquid 'level adiof container, said `liquid level adjustment means including a tubular member Vadapted to be slidably positioned inV Ysaid collection container,`means supporting said tubular member on said collection container whereby said tubular member may be raised and lowered in said collection container and thereby vary the upper liquid level in Y said collection container, and means for locking said,Y tubular member in' said support. 4. lA liquid volume metering apparatus comprising,

(a)` a container to collect a predetermined volume of liquid,

` Y(b) a liquid inlet Yconduit and a Vliquid discharge Ycon` duit forisaid container, Y (c) -a conduit for communicating gas Yto said coutainer .above the liquid therein, 'c' (d')V diaphragm actuated valve means for opening and closing said liquid inlet conduit,

l `(e) diaphragm actuated `valve meansfor'V opening and Y closing saidV liquid` discharge conduit,k

(f) tubular kmeans, having an opening for receiving r liquid'to Va predetermined level in said tubularrm'eans when the predetermined liquid volume'is collected in said container, Y

(g) Yconduit means for communicating gas from said gas communicating'conduit to said'tubular means above the liquid level therein, i f

V(h) diaphragm actuated valve Ymeansin said conduit means which communicates gas toA saidjtubulary means, Y y v y (i) additional conduit means connected to said tubular means above the predeterminedrliquid level forcom-vv municating gasto one Vside'of ysaid diaphragms of K each vsaid liquid inlet valve `nieansand-.said valve means in said conduit meansY which communicates gas to said tubular meansato urge each of said valves toward closed position, Y

to said diaphragm of said liquid discharge `valve-V means to urge said valve means to closed position,V (in) control 4means connected between said additional and said .other conduit means for controlling communication therebetween and for opening andYclos-r ing Vsaid othery conduit means to atmosphere, to actuate each of said valve means, Y (n) said control means responsive tothe hydrostatic pressurein said tubular meanswhen said predeter- Y mined liquid level is reached to close offcommunication between said additional and other conduit means and to open said other conduit meansto at# mosphere whereupon said liquid inlet valvel means kand saidrvalve means'in said conduit means which Y communicates Agasto said tubular meanseach close and lsaid liquidY discharge valve opens, and (o) the closing of saidvalve means in said conduit means which communicates gas to said tubular:

means acting to trap gasyabove said predetermined liquid level in said tubular means to hold said predetermined liquidlevel therein until the `predeterposed for dischargeof liquid therefrom.

S.\-The invention-recited in claim 4 wherein discharge. 1 of the predetermined volume of liquid from said conw tainer exposes the lower end .of said tubular means to discharge liquid from k-said tubular means into *said container whereupon said control means then responds to discharge-Valve means and'open said liquid linlet valve means and said valvemeans in said conduitwhich com'f i vmunicates gas to said tubular means for collecting another predetermined volume'in said container.

`6. The inventionof claim 4 V including :meansf on said container to predetermine the volume ofrliquid to be 4collected'inasa'id container; Y

j 7.- The inventionofclaimy 5 including .means on said container to Ypredetermine the volume of 4liquid to be collected'in-said container. Y l' A 8. Thestructure recited in claim 7 wherein :liquid volume predetermining means includes a tubular mem- ,ber adapted V.to be slidably positionedin said collection-l Vcontair'iei',.means supporting said tubular member on said collection container whereby said vtubular membermay Ybe raised and lowered in; said'collection Vcontainer, and

vthereby vary the'uppe'r liquid level in'said collectiondoon-` tainer, and'means for locking said tubular member in1 said support. Y'

(j) said inlet valve means and said valve means in,

said conduit means which communicatesl gas toV said t is collecting in ,said f mined volume has discharged from said` container whereupon said opening in said tubular means is exe i '1e Y' i An apparatus for metering liquid volumes comprising,

(a) a collection container toV collect .a predetermined Y (d) additional container means having an opening forV receiving liquid to a predetermined level therein when the predetermined liquid volume is collected in said container,

(e) conduit means for communicating gas to said additional container means above the liquid therein,

(f) diaphragm actuated valve means for opening 'and closing said conduit means Awhich communicates gas to said additional container means,

(-g) additional conduit means connected to said additional container means above the predetermined liquid level for communicating ga-s to one side of said diaphragms of each said liquid inlet valve means and said valve means in said conduitV means which communicates gas to Ysaidadditiornal container to tend to urge each of said'valves toward closed position,

(h) a spring means acting on said diaphragm of each said liquid inlet valve means and said valve means in said conduit means which communicates gas to said additional container to urge each of said valves toward open position, Y

(i) other conduit means to communicate gas from said additional conduit means to the other side of said diaphragms of each said liquid inlet valve means and said valve means in said conduit means which communicates gas to said additional container to counterbalance the gas pressure tending to close each of said valve means,

(j) said other conduit means also communicating gas to said diaphragm of said liquid discharge valve means to urge said valve means to closed position,

(k) control means connected between said additional and said other conduit means for controlling communication therebetween and for opening and closing said other conduit means to atmosphere to actuate each of said valve means,

(l) said control means responsive to thehydrostatic pressure in said additional container means when said predetermined liquid level is rached to close oft' communication between saidiadditional and other conduit means' and to open said other conduit means to atmosphere whereupon said liquid inlet ,valve tainer each close and said liquid discharge valve l opens, Y l

(In) said gas in said additional conduit means acting to retain the liquid in Vsaid additional container means at said predetermined level whereby the hydrostatic pressure in said additional container means acting on said control means remains uniform until the predetermined liquid volume is discharged from said collection container, and

(n) said openingrin said additionalV container. means being exposed for discharge of liquid therefrom when said predetermined liquid volume is `discharged from said container whereupon said control means responds to the loss of hydrostatic pressure in said additionalY container means to communicate gas from said additional conduit means to said other conduit means and .to close said other conduit means to atmosphere whereby said liquid discharge valve means closes and said liquid inlet and Said valve means in said conduit which communicates gas to said additional container then open so that said container may receive another predetermined liquid volume therein.V

10. The invention of claim 9 including liquid level Vadjustment means on said collection container for predetermining the volume of liquid to be collected in said container, said liquid level adjustment means including a tubular member adapted to be slidably positioned in said collection container, means supporting said tubular member `on said collection container whereby said tubular member may -be raised and lowered in said collection container and thereby vary the upper liquid level in said collection container, and means for locking said tubular member in said support. 1

11. The invention of claim 9 including counter mean responsive to each discharge of liquid from said collection container to instrumentally note the number of predetermined volumes o liquid discharged from said collection container.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,521,668 1/25 Bond 73--298 2,971,377 2/61 Vogel 73-224 3,083,571 V4/63 Pitts 73-224 RICHARD C. QUEISSER, Primary Examiner.

DAVID SCHONBERG, Examiner. 

1. AN APPARATUS FOR METERING LIQUID VOLUME COMPRISING, (A) A COLLECTION CONTAINER TO COLLECT A PREDETERMINED VOLUME OF LIQUID, (B) SAID CONTAINER HAVING AN OPENING ADAPTED TO RECEIVE LIQUID IN SAID CONTAINER AND TO DISCHARGE LIQUID FROM SAID CONTAINER, (C) ADDITIONAL LIQUID CONTAINER MEANS, (D) SAID ADDITIONAL LIQUID CONTAINER MEANS BEING ADAPTED TO HOLD A SUBSTANTIALLY SMALLER VOLUME OF LIQUID FROM SAID COLLECTION CONTAINER, (E) SAID ADDITIONAL LIQUID CONTAINER MEANS HAVING AN OPENING IN THE LOWER END THEREOF TO RECEIVE LIQUID TO A PREDETERMINED LEVEL WHEN THE PREDETERMINED LIQUID VOLUME IS COLLECTED IN SAID COLLECTION CONTAINER AND TO DISCHARGE LIQUID FROM SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER, (F) DIAPHRAGM ACTUATED INLET VALVE MEANS FOR REGULATING THE FLOW OF LIQUID INTO SAID COLLECTION CONTAINER, (G) DIAPHRAGM ACTUATED DISCHARGE VALVE MEANS FOR REGULATING THE FLOW OF LIQUID FROM SAID COLLECTION CONTAINER, (H) A CONDUIT FOR COMMUNICATING GAS TO SAID CONTAINER ABOVE THE LIQUID THEREIN, (I) CONDUIT MEANS FOR COMMUNICATING GAS FROM SAID GAS COMMUNICATING CONDUIT TO SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER MEANS ABOVE THE LIQUID LEVEL THEREIN, (J) DIAPHRAGM ACTUATED VALVE MEANS IN SAID CONDUIT MEANS WHICH COMMUNICATES GAS TO SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER MEANS, (K) ADDITIONAL CONDUIT MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER MEANS ABOVE THE PREDETERMINED LIQUID LEVEL FOR COMMUNICATING GAS TO ONE SIDE OF SAID DIAPHRAGMS OF EACH SAID INLET VALVE MEANS AND SAID VALVE MEANS IN SAID CONDUIT WHICH COMMUNICATES GAS TO SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER MEANS TO URGE EACH OF SAID VALVE MEANS TOWARD CLOSED POSITION, (I) SAID INLET VALVE MEANS AND SAID VALVE MEANS IN SAID CONDUIT MEANS WHICH COMMUNICATES GAS TO SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER MEANS EACH HAVING MEANS ACTING ON THEIR RESPECTIVE DIAPHRAGMS TO BIAS SAID VALVE MEANS TOWARD OPEN POSITION AS LIQUID IS COLLECTING IN SAID COLLECTION CONTAINER, (M) OTHER CONDUIT MEANS TO COMMUNICATE GAS FROM SAID ADDITIONAL CONDUIT MEANS TO THE OTHER SIDE OF SAID DIAPHRAGMS OF EACH SAID LIQUID INLET VALVE MEANS AND SAID VALVE MEANS IN SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER MEANS COMMUNICATES GAS TO SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER MEANS TO COUNTERBALANCE THE GAS PRESSURE TENDING TO CLOSE EACH OF SAID VALVE MEANS, (N) SAID OTHER CONDUIT MEANS ALSO COMMUNICATING GAS TO SAID DIAPHRAGM OF SAID LIQUID DISCHARGE VALVE MEANS TO URGE SAID VALVE MEANS TO CLOSED POSITION, (O) CONTROL MEANS CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID ADDITIONAL AND SAID OTHER CONDUIT MEANS FOR CONTROLLING COMMUNICATION THEREBETWEEN AND FOR OPENING AND CLOSING SAID OTHER CONDUIT MEANS TO ATMOSPHERE TO ACTUATE EACH OF SAID VALVE MEANS, (P) SAID CONTROL MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE IN SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER MEANS WHEN SAID PREDETERMINED LIQUID LEVEL IS REACHED TO CLOSE OFF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SAID ADDITIONAL AND OTHER CONDUIT MEANS AND TO OPEN SAID OTHER CONDUIT MEANS TO ATMOSPHERE WHEREUPON SAID LIQUID INLET VALVE MEANS AND SAID VALVE MEANS IN SAID CONDUIT MEANS WHICH COMMUNICATES GAS TO SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER MEANS EACH CLOSE AND SAID LIQUID DISCHARGE VALVE OPENS, (Q) THE CLOSING OF SAID VALVE MEANS IN SAID CONDUIT MEANS WHICH COMMUNICATES GAS TO SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER MEANS ACTING TO TRAP GAS ABOVE THE PREDETERMINED LIQUID LEVEL IN SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER MEANS AND IN SAID ADDITIONAL CONDUIT, (R) THE GAS TRAPPED ABOVE SAID PREDETERMINED LIQUID LEVEL IN SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER MEANS SERVING TO HOLD SAID PREDETERMINED LIQUID LEVEL THEREIN UNTIL THE PREDETERMINED LIQUID VOLUME IS DISCHARGED FROM SAID COLLECTION CONTAINER WHEREUPON THE OPENING IN THE LOWER END OF SAID ADDITIONAL CONTAINER MEANS IS EXPOSED FOR DISCHARGE OF LIQUID THEREFROM AND INTO SAID COLLECTION CONTAINER, AND (S) SAID CONTROL MEANS FUNCTIONING WHEN LIQUID IS DISCHARGED FROM SAID ADDITIONAL LIQUID CONTAINER MEANS TO COMMUNICATED SAID GAS COMMUNICATING CONDUIT AND TO SAID ADDITIONAL CONDUIT MEANS FOR GAS PASSAGE THERETHROUGH TO CLOSE SAID DISCHARGE VALVE MEANS AND THEN OPEN SAID INLET VALVE MEANS AND SAID VALVE MEANS IN SAID CONDUIT MEANS WHICH COMMUNICATES GAS TO LIQUID CONDUIT MEANS WHICH COMMUNICATES CONTAINER MAY RECEIVE ANOTHER PREDETERMINED LIQUID VOLUME THEREIN. 